Just why has Kansas State struggled so much the past two seasons? No, it's not quarterback play, and a defense that hasn't lived up to Lynch Mob standards isn't as much to blame as one might think. A big reason for the Wildcats two-year slide has been inconsistent play up front - where games are won and lost - and for Ron Prince to get K-State back to a bowl in 2006 he must get better play out of his offensive line.

THE GOOD NEWS: At least Prince seems to have already found two solid starters along the line. Senior Greg Wafford has made the move from tackle back to left guard, a more natural position for him, and has the ability to be an All-Big 12 candidate. Wafford will be one of the leaders of K-State's offensive unit this season and will set a solid example for the young linemen surrounding him.

The left side of the line could be strong, as Prince has singled out redshirt freshman left tackle Derek Meyer on a number of occasions. Meyer obviously lacks experience, but he's talented enough that last year's staff considered playing Meyer as a true freshman on numerous occasions. The left tackle and left guard spots are the only positions that appear to be locked down.